Anger at debate timing on petition opposing closure of family centres
Campaigners have criticised the timing of a debate on a 9,000-signature petition opposing the closure of children and family centres across West Sussex.
The county council is planning to redesign its early help services saving £1.95million.
The current plan would see 32 of its 43 children and family centres closed as well as the 12 Find it Out youth advice facilities.
Cabinet member Jacquie Russell has said any changes made ‘will be subject to full and thorough consultation’.
Labour councillors started a petition opposing the closure of the centres and it has been signed by more than 9,000 people.
They are angry it will not be debated until mid-march, a month after Friday’s meeting where the 2021/22 revenue budget will be discussed.
They point out the budget already includes the planned £1.95million cut within early help services.
Labour councillor Cat Arnold, one of the petition organisers, explained: “They will discuss the petition against the cuts a month after they decide to make cuts. That is treating local people with disdain. It also makes a mockery of their petition system. They invite people to submit petitions but what is the point if they do not discuss them in good time?”
Labour group leader at County Hall Michael Jones felt the budget plan ‘doesn’t inspire confidence they’ll really listen to the outcome of the consultation’.
In response, a county council spokesman said: “The agenda for the council meeting on 12 February is already full, so the petition just received will be considered at a later date, most likely at the next council meeting on 19 March, 2021.
“No decision has yet been taken about the future plans for early help services and children and family centres.
“The next stage is to decide whether to put proposals for these services to public consultation. The council’s budget-setting meeting in February includes a projected saving for part of the year but any change to the service would only be made following full consultation. That means that all residents and those with an interest will have plenty of opportunity to have their say prior to any decision.
“Consideration of the petition should form part of that broad public consultation.”